The new Alder Hey patron met the children who will be Everton’s 22 Little Heroes walking the players out onto Goodison Park.

The 22 Little Heroes include a five-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy and pretends to be an Everton player when doing his exercises; a 14-year-old who helped to design the new hospital and an eight-year-old who has been treated at Alder Hey since birth, had three major heart operations and can now play football with his friends.

Staff from the Blues’s official charity, Everton in the Community, work at the hospital every single day to deliver fun activity sessions for sick and disabled children, engaging with around 1,500 patients each year.

Baines’s pledge last month as patron, promised to cement Everton’s close connections with Alder Hey.

He said: “Every single one of the children’s stories is inspiring. They’ve been through some really difficult times, not just the kids but their families too, so we’re really honoured to be able to give them a special day at Goodison.

“They’re all big Evertonians so it means a lot to them, and from talking to some of the children it seems they’re really excited about it. As a club, we’ve always had a close relationship with Alder Hey and that usually involves us paying the children a visit in hospital so it’s great to give these 22 special young people that opportunity to forget everything for a day and give them some really special memories.”

Everton in the Community has raised more than £20m for the new hospital – providing lifesaving equipment, vital research and arts and play activities – but still needs help to fund child-friendly environments in wards and waiting areas and to support innovation and research in the new hospital.

To help Alder Hey continue to provide the most leading-edge children’s healthcare in the future, text GIFT EFC to 70755 to donate £5 or visit www.alderheycharity.org